Ten-time Grammy-winning guitarist Carlos Santana will deliver an online keynote address marking the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s commencement on June 19. The 2020 commencement celebration will be held online at 4 p.m. PDT.
“I feel honored to be speaking to young musicians and a new generation of music scholars,” Santana said. “The class of 2020 is resilient, and their voices are needed now more than ever.”
“I want them to use their music as a platform to empower and unite as we seek justice and creative solutions during these challenging times,” added the artist, who has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Eileen Strempel, the music school’s dean, said the academic community is thrilled that Santana will be participating in the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s 2020 commencement celebration.
The virtual commencement celebration will also feature performances by students and student groups, including the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA, as well as student remarks.